Revealing racism’s masquerades: Claudia Rankine on Citizen, which “calls up the reality of the brutality” of prejudice. | The Guardian

Paul Beatty on learning to read signage, the impotence of intoxicants, and detecting bullshit. | Full Stop

On being held emotional hostage by the overwhelming sadness of underwhelming books. | The Millions

Nell Zink on pubic hair as intimidation tactic, artistic posturing, and her plans for world domination. | VICE

The sentence became a device in the mid-1500s; Ben Metcalf wields his with “extraordinary interest and beauty.” | Oxford American

Summer books to look forward to (and more to read while you wait). | Vol. 1 Brooklyn, Entropy

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